# Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Three Cheese > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Kraft - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Canned & Packaged Goods - **Size:** 7.25 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kraft-macaroni-cheese-dinner-three-cheese-725-oz - **Slug:** `kraft-macaroni-cheese-dinner-three-cheese-725-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially processed ingredients and additives (modified food starch, sodium phosphate, cellulose gums, milk protein concentrate, colorants) and a powdered cheese formulation, consistent with ultra-processed foods classified as NOVA 4. ## Review Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Three Cheese is a familiar boxed convenience staple you’ll find tucked on the grocery aisle with other pasta mixes and boxed side dishes—lined up near dry pasta, instant rice, and quick skillet helpers. The product arrives in a cardboard box containing mini-shell pasta and a brightly labeled cheese sauce powder packet; preparation is part of the ritual—boil, drain, stir in milk and margarine or butter, and watch the powder become a bright, creamy sauce. It sits comfortably in family carts for busy weeknights, college dorm rooms, or pantry stock-ups for picky eaters and kids. The brand leans on nostalgia and approachability: Kraft positions itself as a multi-generational comfort food, marketed to parents as an easy, kid-friendly dinner that evokes childhood memories. Label claims emphasize simplicity, with calls like "no artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes," and kid-focused branding and serving suggestions, though there is no organic certification. In plain processing terms, this is a shelf-stable prepared mix made from industrially transformed ingredients rather than a fresh cheese or homemade sauce. Sensory notes: the finished dish is soft, uniformly sauced mini shells with a smooth, slightly powdery cheese flavor, a malleable creamy texture from added milkfat and starches, and a comforting buttery aroma if margarine is used; the boxed format promises predictable taste and fast cleanup. Its cultural role in American grocery culture is as a cheap, convenient emblem of quick comfort food—trusted by families, convenient for single-serve cooks, and frequently used as a base for recipe improvisations like add-ins or mix-ins. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.5 oz - **Servings per container:** 3 - **Calories:** 260 - **Total fat:** 2.5g (3% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1g (5% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 5mg (2% DV) - **Sodium:** 600mg (26% DV) - **Total carbs:** 49g (18% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 7g - **Protein:** 10g ## Ingredients ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE [IRON], THIAMIN MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAMIN B2], FOLIC ACID), CHEESE SAUCE MIX (WHEY, SKIM MILK, MILK, SALT, MILKFAT, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF BUTTERMILK SOLIDS, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, LACTIC ACID, CELLULOSE GEL, CELLULOSE GUM, CITRIC ACID, CHEESE CULTURE, ENZYMES, WITH PAPRIKA, TURMERIC, AND ANNATTO ADDED FOR COLOR). ## Flagged ingredients - **paprika** (additive): Artificial coloring - **turmeric** (additive): Artificial coloring - **annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Kraft Mac & Cheese Dinner, Three Cheese healthy? That really depends on what you mean by 'healthy.' If you're looking for a quick, comforting meal with a decent amount of protein (10g per serving), this mac and cheese can fit the bill. However, it's also got 600mg of sodium per serving, which is something to keep in mind if you're watching your salt intake. ### Is it vegan? Nope, this mac and cheese is not vegan. It contains dairy ingredients like skim milk and milkfat, which means it’s off the table for anyone following a plant-based diet. So if you’re looking for a vegan comfort food fix, you might need to explore some plant-based alternatives. ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, this Kraft Mac & Cheese is not gluten-free. The enriched macaroni product is made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, there are some brands out there that make gluten-free pasta and cheese mixes; just check the labels! ### Does it contain seed oils? No seed oils here! The ingredient list for Kraft Mac & Cheese Dinner, Three Cheese doesn’t include any of those oils. Instead, you’ll find a mix of dairy and starches, which keeps it pretty straightforward in terms of fats. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners in this mac and cheese. It’s pretty straightforward with its ingredients, focusing more on the cheesy goodness instead. So you can enjoy that classic flavor without worrying about hidden sweeteners. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This mac and cheese contains only 7g of total sugars per serving, which isn’t high at all, especially compared to many snacks and desserts. So if you’re craving something savory, you can enjoy this without the sugar guilt. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider brands that offer whole grain or veggie-based pasta. You could also whip up a homemade version using whole ingredients like whole wheat pasta and fresh cheese for a more nutrient-dense dish. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids often love Kraft Mac & Cheese for its creamy, cheesy flavor. It can be a quick meal option for busy parents, just keep an eye on portion sizes and pair it with some veggies for a more balanced meal. ### Is it good for weight loss? While it’s not specifically designed for weight loss, it can fit into a balanced diet if you enjoy it in moderation. With 260 calories per serving, it can be a filling option, but just be mindful of the sodium content and pair it with lighter ingredients to round out your meal. ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, this mac and cheese falls into the category of ultra-processed foods. It contains a mix of processed ingredients like modified food starch and cellulose gel, which help achieve that creamy texture. While it’s not the most wholesome option, it’s okay to enjoy it every now and then as part of a varied diet! ## Related products - [Hunt's No Salt Added Crushed Tomatoes](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hunts-no-salt-added-crushed-tomatoes-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hunts-no-salt-added-crushed-tomatoes-28-oz - [Hunt's Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce, Original](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/manwich-hunts-sloppy-joe-sauce-original-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/manwich-hunts-sloppy-joe-sauce-original-15-oz - [Genova Yellowfin Tuna, Lemon & Herbes De Provence, Wild Caught 5 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/genova-yellowfin-tuna-lemon-herbes-de-provence-wild-caught-5-oz-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/genova-yellowfin-tuna-lemon-herbes-de-provence-wild-caught-5-oz-5-oz - [Bush's Best Beans, Dark Red Kidney](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bushs-best-beans-dark-red-kidney-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bushs-best-beans-dark-red-kidney-16-oz - [Hunt's Tomato Paste](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hunts-tomato-paste-18-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hunts-tomato-paste-18-oz - [Aunt Nellie's Dice Beets](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/aunt-nellies-dice-beets-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/aunt-nellies-dice-beets-16-oz - [Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Honey Sesame Chicken Cup](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nissin-cup-noodles-stir-fry-honey-sesame-chicken-cup-3-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nissin-cup-noodles-stir-fry-honey-sesame-chicken-cup-3-oz - [King Oscar Sardines, in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Double Layer](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/king-oscar-sardines-in-extra-virgin-olive-oil-double-layer-375-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/king-oscar-sardines-in-extra-virgin-olive-oil-double-layer-375-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md